Three boaters were rescued by neighboring vessels after flames broke out on a craft on Mission Bay on March 23.

Smoke began erupting from the 22-foot runabout about 2:30 p.m., according to lifeguard officials.

The three people aboard the boat were plucked to safety by the time the vessel became engulfed in flames.

Officials suspect an overheated motor, but an investigation is ongoing.

Solar open house slated for March 30

Sullivan Solar Power will host a solar open house on March 30 in Point Loma to demonstrate the benefits of solar power. The event will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 3540 Carleton St.

Participants can learn about solar technology, rebates and incentives, Sullivan’s cash reward, view an installed solar power system and learn about the costs and potential savings.

For more information, call (800) SULLIVAN, or visit www.SullivanSolarPower.com.

Free tax-preparation services offered

United Way and the Bank of America Charitable Foundation are partnering to provide free tax preparation, filing and other services to hardworking individuals and families in San Diego and across the country who qualify for the federal earned income tax credit (EITC) and can earn up to $5,891 in tax credits for the 2012 tax year.

This year, United Ways will offer these services through April 15. In San Diego, these services are available at over 100 sites around the region. Residents can visit www.uwsd.org/content/eitcinformation-0 for a list of sites that offer both free tax preparation services, as well as benefits screening.

Although more than 5,440 people received over $10 million in EITC in the 2012 tax year, thousands of qualified workers in San Diego County still did not claim their tax credit, according to Internal Revenue Service data.

With one in three local families struggling to make ends meet, the EITC is a financial boost to working people in a recovering economy. Since becoming a leader in the EITC coalition, United Way has helped bring back more than $55 million in EITC dollars to the local economy.

To learn more about the United Way, visit http://www.uwsd.org, Facebook and Twitter.

DUI checkpoint nets 8 arrests

Eight reportedly impaired drivers were arrested during a DUI checkpoint set up by police on March 15 in the 4200 block of Mission Bay Drive.

The checkpoint was conducted from 11 p.m. until 3 a.m. According to officials, 1,651 vehicles passed through the checkpoint, 969 of which were screened by officers. Eighteen motorists were detained for a further evaluation of their sobriety.

Eight arrests were made for DUI in the checkpoint, and nine vehicles were impounded. One citation was issued for having an open alcohol container in a vehicle, and one citation was issued for marijuana possession.

Yacht club seeks fireworks donations

The Mission Bay Yacht Club is seeking donations to keep alive the Fourth of July fireworks tradition.

With the withdrawl of Paradise Point from the 4th festivities last year, the MBYC and SeaWorld San Diego are now the only remaining fireworks shows in the Mission Bay area.

The MBYC is now actively involved in raising funds for the Fourth of July fireworks show in Sail Bay.

The costs of running a show like this are close to $24,000. The big items include the barge ($10,000), the fireworks (10,000) and permits ($2,000).

The members of the club donate their time to handle the logistics of the show, all the coordination leading up to the event and then manage the safety perimeter during and the show itself can be enjoyed by all members of the community from the shore of Misson Bay and throughout.